DE602006000309T2 - Foldable and portable communication device with sliding display - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The The present invention relates to portable communication devices. including Cellular Phones, Personal Digital Assistants (referred to as PDA), Personal Communication System (referred to as PCS) phones, camera phones, game phones and the like, and more particularly, the present invention relates to portable communication devices with a sliding display unit that allows for a chat mode and a game mode can be used.

2. Description of the state of the technique

in the Generally, the term "portable communication device" refers to an electronic device, which a user can carry while he / she is wireless with one other user communicates. Regarding the portability of the Device is the trend in the design of such a portable communication device in the direction of compactness, slimming and lightweight, but also in a sense that multimedia capabilities are provided which allow the user a broader one Selection of functions. In particular, the future portable Communication devices are not only used for many functions they will still be compact and lightweight also be modified to be functional Operating in a multimedia environment and for providing Internet access and Internet functions are suitable.

conventional Portable communication devices may vary depending on their external appearance be classified into different types, such as into the portable Bartype communication devices, the portable ones Flip-type communication devices and the portable type Foldertype communication devices. The portable Bartype communication device has a single one Casing, that is shaped like a bar. The portable flip-type communication devices has a flip panel, which can be swiveled by means of a hinge unit mounted on a bar-shaped housing is. The portable folder type communication device has a hinged lid, which by means of a hinge unit so with a bar-shaped casing connected is that the hinged lid can be pivoted to in Regarding the case to be closed or unfolded.

Of Further can the portable communication devices as devices of the Type that can be worn around the neck, and devices of the Type that can be worn around the wrist, depending on the position at the, or the way the user wears the device classifies become. The device of the type worn around the neck, is one that the user using a lanyard or wearing a collar around his neck, whereas the device of the type worn around the wrist is one that a user wears around his wrist.

Additionally can portable communication devices as devices of the type with rotary opening and sliding-gate type devices corresponding to two types of opening and closing of the devices. In the portable communication device of Type with rotary opening are two housings interconnected with each other in such a way that a housing turns to open or close with respect to the other housing, the housings facing each other. In the portable communication device of Type with sliding opening are two housings connected together so that a housing slides in relation to the other housing open or to be closed. The different classifications of portable communication devices are the persons with the ordinary Experience in the field of technology easy to understand.

Of Further, each is one of the conventional ones portable communication devices are now able to a high-speed data communication as well as a voice communication perform. This means, that in view of the increase in consumer demands using wireless communication technology provides various services for sending and receiving data at a high speed become.

It is a recent trend that a camera lens on the portable Communication device can be attached, and that it is possible to image signals and similar transferred to. Currently available Portable communication devices can come with a built-in or external camera lens module. Accordingly Is it possible, Picture communication with a desired one Partner or a desired one Subject to photograph.

However, in the conventional sliding-type portable communication device, a housing can only slide in one direction with respect to the other housing, and the sliding communication type portable communication device tion has only one display unit. Accordingly, it proves impractical for a user to use the conventional portable communication device. In the conventional sliding-type portable communication device, in particular, it is difficult to quickly and accurately operate the keys on a main body of the portable communication device with both hands in the game mode or the chat mode. In addition, the conventional sliding-type portable communication device has a display unit which can typically display only one screen in portrait mode and has limitations in displaying a screen in the wide landscape mode. Accordingly, there has been a demand for a portable communication device capable of displaying a widescreen mode screen and having the keys that can be operated in a quick and accurate manner.

If Consumer communication devices with multimedia features buy, the portable communication device increasingly different integrated functions including a voice communication function, an image communication feature, a gameplayer feature, a Music player function, a TV or video player function, one Internet access function and similar, additionally to the simple voice communication function. When the mobile communication environment changes, it is necessary to have the appropriate different user interfaces provide. In terms of ease of use of the portable Communication device has a tendency that a selection the portable communication device according to the circumstances the user interface is made.

In Accordingly, it is important for the portable communication device to provide a user friendly user interface, the one data input interface and one data output interface contains which are absolutely necessary. In this way, many requirements directed to a portable communication device comprising a display unit which is capable of giving the user a user-friendly Provide user interface environment.

The document EP-A-1 357 726 discloses a portable telephone having a main body and a hinged lid, and a hinge unit disposed therebetween. The display unit is folded or unfolded together with a hinged lid and can slide along the hinged lid.

The document US-B1-6,233,469 discloses a portable wireless information terminal having a display unit that can slide along a main body of the device and that can also be pivoted by means of a hinge.

The document US-A-2004/228077 discloses a height-adjustable computer monitor in which such a computer also has a main body and a hinged lid. In between, a hinge unit is arranged. The display unit is provided in the hinged lid and is adapted to slide in the longitudinal direction of the hinged lid.

The document US-B-6 522 529 discloses another computer with a pivotable and also slidably supported display for a screen.

The document EP-A-1 542 433 , which was published after the priority date of the present application, discloses a portable data terminal having a main body, a hinged lid, and a hinge unit disposed therebetween. The hinged lid also provides a display unit which is rotatably mounted on the hinged lid. There is also a slider for moving the display unit in the longitudinal direction of the flip cover.

It An object of the present invention is a portable communication device according to the optimal user interface environment Provided so that a user keys quickly and accurately can serve while in a chat mode or a game mode, pictures in a landscape mode are displayed, with such a sliding display unit safely in open and closed positions.

These The object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

advantageous embodiments The invention is disclosed by the subclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other tasks, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed Description further obvious, if this together with the attached Drawings are considered in which:

1 FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a portable type flip-top type communication device in accordance with a prior art. FIG zugten embodiment of the present invention, which has a sliding and folding housing;

2 is a front view of the in 1 a flip-top type portable communication device of the type illustrated;

3 is a side view of in 1 a flip-top type portable communication device of the type illustrated;

4 Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the flip-top type portable communication device in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a door of the portable communication device is opened; and

The 5 and 6 13 are perspective views of the flip-top type portable communication device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a sliding display unit is slid on a main body and a flip cover of the portable communication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED Embodiment

in the The following are preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings described. In the following description of the present invention will be a detailed Description of known functions and configurations that are in it integrated, omitted in order to understand the present invention not to complicate.

Like this in the 1 . 4 and 5 1, the portable communication device in accordance with the present invention includes a main body 10 , a hinged lid 20 rotating about a hinge axis A with respect to the main body 10 folded or unfolded, a sliding display unit 40 , which together with the hinged lid 20 in relation to the main body 10 closed or unfolded and so in the longitudinal direction of the hinged lid 20 can slip that an area of the inner surface 101 or 202 of the main body 10 or the folding deck 20 can be opened or closed, as well as a hinge unit 30 to the hinged lid 20 swiveling with the main body 10 connect to.

After the hinged lid 20 turns and then the sliding display unit 20 completely slides, the main body can 10 and the hinged lid 20 be placed symmetrically on a planar surface. Furthermore, the sliding display unit becomes 40 between the end portion of the main body 10 and the hinged lid 20 positioned so that it partially with the main body 10 and the hinged lid 20 Over overlaps, leaving an area near the end of the main body 10 on the inner surface 101 of the main body 10 is exposed while an area near the end of the hinged lid 20 on the inner surface 202 is exposed.

Like this in the 1 to 3 is shown, the hinged lid 20 with an additional display unit 210 , a camera lens 212 near one side of the auxiliary display unit 210 and a call indicator light 216 near the other side of the auxiliary display unit 210 attached to an outer surface of the hinged lid 20 are provided. Meanwhile, the hinge unit contains 30 a pair of hinge covers 301 and 302 and a pair of first and second hinge reinforcing portions 303 . 304 . 305 and 306 In order to improve the structural integrity and to avoid low strength due to the shock caused by a rotation of the hinged lid 20 in relation to the main body 10 or by falling down of the portable communication device. The hinge covers 301 and 302 are preferably made of sheet metal, which at both ends of the hinge unit 30 are attached to the hinge unit 30 to provide structural integrity. There, where the hinge unit 30 coaxially with an axis of the hinge axis A and may be subject to shock when the portable communication device falls down, the hinge covers 301 and 302 the hinge unit 30 in front of the hinge unit 30 protect impacting vibration. In addition, the first and second hinge reinforcing sections include 303 . 304 . 305 and 306 a pair of first hinge reinforcing portions and a pair of second hinge reinforcing portions, each of which projects in a coaxial direction with the axis of the hinge axis A, around the main body 10 and the hinged lid 20 to provide structural integrity. This allows the main body 10 and the hinged lid 20 resist a force caused by over-rotation of the hinged lid 20 can be caused. In particular, the first hinge reinforcement sections 305 and 306 Stand out along the axis of the hinge axis A from the main body 10 while the second hinge reinforcement sections 303 and 304 along the axis of the hinge axis A of the hinged lid 20 protrude. Preferably, the first hinge reinforcement sections 305 and 306 a gradually increasing width of the main body 10 to the end of the hinge axis A, while the second hinge reinforcement sections 303 and 304 a gradually increasing width of the hinged lid 20 to the end of the hinge axis A.

Like this in the 4 to 6 is shown are on the inner surface 101 of the main body 10 a first keypad 110 , as a result of the sliding movement of the sliding display unit 40 after the flip-top lid is opened, selectively opened and closed, and a second keypad 112 regardless of the sliding movement of the sliding display unit 40 always open after the hinged lid 20 is unfolded. A third keypad 220 is on the inner surface 202 of the hinged lid 20 arranged as a result of the sliding movement of the sliding display unit 40 is selectively opened.

Like this in the 5 and 6 is shown when the sliding display unit 40 completely slipped, the first keypad 110 through the sliding display unit 40 hidden while the second and the third keypad 112 and 220 are completely open. In this way, the sliding display unit becomes 40 between the second keypad 112 and the third keypad 220 placed. Accordingly, the user can use both hands in a user-friendly manner, the second and the third keypad 112 and 220 serve. When the sliding display unit 40 between the second and the third keypad 112 and 220 Furthermore, the user can view the displayed data in a landscape mode.

Like this in the 4 to 6 are the first and the second keypad 110 and 112 at a desired depth on the inner surface 101 of the body 10 arranged, and the third keypad 220 is at a desired depth on the inner surface 202 of the hinged lid 20 arranged. As a result, the sliding display area becomes 40 securely on the inner surface of the hinged lid 10 added. When the hinged lid 10 is fully opened, the sliding display unit 40 on the main body 10 and the hinged lid 20 slide. Like this in 4 is shown, when the hinged lid is opened at a desired angle to communicate with the other, the sliding display unit 40 still safe on the inside surface 202 of the hinged lid 20 added. Like this in 1 is shown in the case where the hinged lid 20 is completely closed, the sliding display unit 40 also on the inner surface 202 of the hinged lid 20 added.

In addition, the sliding display unit rotates 40 with the hinged lid 20 , When the rotation of the hinged lid 20 is completed to the open position, the sliding display unit 40 on the hinged lid 20 and the main body 10 glide while keeping the inner surfaces of the main body 10 and the hinged lid 20 is facing.

The hinge unit 30 contains outer articulated arms 310 and 312 coming from the inner surface 101 of the main body 10 protruding, as well as inner hinge arms 314 and 316 coming from the inner surface 202 of the hinged lid 20 so they protrude coaxially with the outer articulated arms 310 and 312 are connected. The outer articulated arms 310 and 312 as well as the inner hinge arms 314 and 316 form pairs that face each other symmetrically. The pair of inner hinge arms 314 and 316 support the sliding movement of the sliding display unit 40 , Each page of the sliding display unit 40 comes into surface contact with a respective end face of the inner hinge arms 314 and 316 so that the sliding display unit 40 with the help of the inner hinge arms 314 and 316 is guided and supported.

Preferably, the hinge unit 30 a truncated cone shape. In particular, the inner and outer hinge arms have a truncated cone shape.

Preferably, the sliding display unit slides 40 linear in a plane that is parallel to the plane in which the main body 10 and the hinged lid 20 lie. The sliding display unit 40 contains a lead 414 at an end portion thereof perpendicular to a surface of the sliding display unit 40 protrudes, while extending parallel to an axis of the hinge axis A, to the sliding movement of the sliding display unit 40 to support. The lead 414 is above the inner surface 101 of the main body is arranged so that it is parallel to the hinge axis A. The 5 and 6 show the portable communication device in which the sliding display unit 40 on the main body 10 and the hinged lid 20 slides. In addition, the lead can 414 in one area of the hinge unit 30 be arranged. 4 shows the sliding display unit 40 from which the lead 414 in one area of the hinge unit 30 is placed. Of course, the sliding display unit 40 only glide when the main body 10 and the hinged lid 20 placed in the same plane.

In addition, the sliding display unit contains 40 a display screen 410 disposed on a surface thereof and a speaker unit 412 near the display screen 410 is arranged. A microphone unit 114 is on an edge of the inner surface 101 of the main body 10 arranged.

In the sliding display unit 40 are like this in 4 is shown, the first and second keypad 110 and 112 arranged so that they the display screen 410 and the speaker unit 412 adjacent to the hinge axis A face. Like this in 5 are shown are the second keypad 112 and the third keypad 220 each so on the main body 10 and the hinged lid 20 arranged to be symmetrical to the sliding display unit 40 are when the sliding display unit 40 slides and is positioned at a central portion of the portable communication device.

In the in 4 In the illustrated state, the portable communication device is preferably used in a communication mode. In the in 5 In the illustrated state, the portable communication device is preferably used in a game mode or a chat mode. In game mode or chat mode, it is often necessary to operate keys quickly and accurately. Accordingly, if the user can operate the keys with both hands, accurate and quick key operation can be achieved.

Preferably, the first keypad is 110 mainly formed by function keys. The second keypad 112 preferably consists of number keys. The third keyboard is preferably a keyboard, for example a QWERTY keyboard.

As has been described above, the portable communication device of present invention provides the user with an optimal user interface environment in the chat mode or in the game mode. Furthermore provides the present invention of the portable communication device structural integrity ready. In particular, the portable communication device has with respect to the sliding movement of the sliding display unit stable structure. In particular, the present invention enables that the sliding display unit has a landscape view function in chat mode or in the game mode that provides it Allows users to the keys with both hands to use. There are advantages in that the portable Communication device with the hinge reinforcement section and the metal hinge cover for protection against damage to the Hinge unit by dropping the portable communication device caused is provided. In contrast, there is one further advantage in that the portable communication device reliably ensures the sliding movement of the sliding display unit, to easily open and close the keypads.

Although the invention with respect to certain preferred embodiments of which it has been shown and described, it will be with the persons the ordinary one Experience in the field of technology will be evident that various changes in the form and details can be made in it, without to deviate from the scope of the invention, as this in the attached claims is defined.

Claims (15)

A portable communication device, comprising: a main body ( 10 ); a hinged lid ( 20 ) arranged to be movable with respect to the main body ( 10 ) is opened or opened; and a hinge unit ( 30 ), the hinged lid ( 20 ) pivotable with the main body ( 10 ), wherein a sliding display unit ( 40 ), which together with the hinged lid ( 20 ) in relation to the body ( 10 ) is set up or is set up so that it is in the longitudinal direction of the hinged lid ( 20 ), characterized in that the sliding display unit ( 40 ) with the hinged lid ( 20 ) and the main body ( 10 ) and adapted to slide upon completion of rotation on the body and the hinged lid to form an area of an inner surface ( 101 ) of the body ( 10 ) and an inner surface ( 202 ) of the hinged lid ( 20 ) to open and close. Portable communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body ( 10 ) a first keypad ( 110 ) and a second keypad ( 112 ), which on the inner surface ( 101 ) of the main body are arranged, wherein the first keypad ( 110 ) is arranged so that it is in relation to the Gleitfeldbewegung the sliding display unit ( 40 ) is selectively opened and closed after the hinged lid ( 20 ) and a second keypad ( 112 ) is always open, regardless of the sliding movement of the sliding display unit, after the hinged lid is opened. Portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the hinged lid ( 20 ) a third keypad ( 220 ), which on the inner surface ( 202 ) of the hinged lid is arranged and as a result of the sliding movement of the sliding display unit ( 40 ) is selectively opened. Portable communication device according to claim 3, wherein the sliding display unit ( 40 ) is adapted to slide to a position between the second and the third keypad, in which position the first keypad ( 110 ) by the display unit ( 40 ) while the second and third keypads ( 112 . 220 ) are completely open. A portable communication device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second keypads ( 110 . 112 ) at a depth at the inner surface ( 101 ) of the main body ( 10 ) and the third keypad ( 220 ) at a depth at the inner surface ( 202 ) of the hinged lid ( 20 ) and is arranged to be the sliding display unit ( 40 ) safely, when the hinged lid is open or fully closed, and sliding the sliding display unit ( 40 ) on the main body and the hinged lid when the hinged lid is open. A portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein said sliding display unit ( 40 ) further comprises a speaker unit ( 412 ). Portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge unit ( 30 ) an outer articulated arm ( 310 . 312 ), which depends on the body ( 10 ) protrudes, and an inner hinge arm ( 314 . 316 ), of the hinged lid ( 20 ) so as to be coaxially connected to the outer articulated arm in order to control the sliding movement of the sliding display unit (10). 40 ) to support. Portable communication device according to claim 7, wherein the inner and outer hinge arms ( 314 . 316 ; 310 . 312 ) have a truncated cone shape. Portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge unit ( 30 ) further comprises first hinge reinforcement sections ( 305 . 306 ) along a hinge axis A from sides of the body ( 10 ) project outwardly, and second hinge reinforcement sections (FIG. 303 . 304 ), along the axis of the hinge axis of the sides of the hinged lid ( 20 ), wherein the first and second hinge reinforcing portions are symmetrical to the hinge axis. Portable communication device according to claim 9, wherein the first hinge reinforcing portions one from the main body have gradually increasing width towards the end of the hinge axis, while the second hinge reinforcement sections one gradually increasing from the hinged lid to the end of the hinge axis Have width. A portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein said sliding display unit ( 40 ) further has a lead ( 414 ) at one of its end portions, which projects perpendicular to a surface of the sliding hinge unit and thereby extends parallel to the hinge axis A, wherein the projection is a sliding stop for the sliding display unit (Fig. 40 ) and the projection is arranged parallel to the hinge axis A. Portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the hinged lid ( 20 ) at least one additional display unit ( 210 ), a camera lens ( 212 ) and a call indicator light ( 216 ), which on the outer surface of the hinged lid ( 20 ) are arranged. Portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge unit ( 30 ) Hinge covers ( 301 . 302 ) of metal at an outermost portion of the hinge unit. A portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein said sliding display unit ( 40 ) is arranged to slide when the main body ( 10 ) and the hinged lid ( 20 ) are opened in a horizontal arrangement, and areas of the inner surfaces of the main body and the hinged lid, which are removed from the hinge axis, are opened, and wherein a sliding display unit is disposed between these areas away from the hinge axis. Portable communication device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding display unit ( 40 ) slides linearly.